Going Green and Guinness
St. Patrick's Day has always been associated with shamrocks, leprechauns, pots of gold, and getting pinched if you don't wear green. There's always a parade, plenty of corned beef and cabbage, and no shortage of Guinness. St. Patrick's Day falls on March 17 and has been observed on that date since the 17th century.
Legend has it that St. Patrick brought Christianity to Ireland, making him the country's patron saint, even though he was actually born in Roman Britain. Folklore credits him with driving the snakes out of Ireland before his death in 461, and in the centuries since, he's inspired a level of cultural pride that's nearly unmatched. An estimated 30+ million Americans claim Irish ancestry — several times the population of Ireland itself — and the holiday is celebrated well beyond that group alone.
Let the Celebrations Begin
Irish Americans first celebrated St. Patrick's Day in the U.S. in Boston in 1737. Today, the holiday is celebrated all over the country, and Denver is home to one of the nation's largest St. Patrick's Day parades, with attendance now estimated at 300,000 or more.
Unfortunately, St. Patrick's Day also consistently ranks among the most dangerous holidays for drunk driving, alongside New Year's Eve and other major celebration days. Historical data has shown a significant spike in impaired-driving fatalities on and around March 17 compared to an average day, with the majority of those killed in alcohol-related crashes involving blood alcohol levels well above the legal limit.
Drinking and driving is not a rite of passage on St. Patrick's Day. Celebrate the music, the food, the culture, the families, and the parades — but it only takes getting behind the wheel once after a few drinks to change lives forever. So we've put together a few tips to help you celebrate St. Patrick's Day safely.
Tips for Driving Safely on St. Patrick's Day
It can't be stressed enough: if you plan on drinking, don't drive. Ever. Always choose a designated driver, bring extra cash for a rideshare, spread your drinks out over several hours, and make sure to eat.
Don't let your friends drive drunk either. Take their keys and call them a ride. Many towns and cities have local sober ride programs you can use — find these resources before heading out for the night. Keep in mind that you don't have to drink to have a great time.
Consider celebrating St. Patrick's Day sober altogether. There's an international movement dedicated to curbing drinking and driving over the holiday, called Sober St. Patrick's Day — a non-profit dedicated to reclaiming the day in honor of Irish culture and St. Patrick himself. By celebrating sober, more lives are saved from drunk driving every year.
May the luck of the Irish be with you. Don't forget to wear green and celebrate St. Patrick's Day safely. Remember: buzzed driving is drunk driving. Drink responsibly — INFINITI OF DENVER wants you to stay safe and still have a great time this holiday.
FAQ
How big is the Denver St. Patrick's Day Parade?
It's one of the largest in the country, with attendance now estimated at 300,000 or more along its downtown route — a tradition dating back to 1962.
What's a good alternative to drinking and driving on St. Patrick's Day?
Designating a sober driver, using a rideshare service, or looking into local sober ride programs are all safe alternatives. Some cities also host "sober" St. Patrick's Day events for those who want to celebrate without alcohol.
Is buzzed driving actually as dangerous as drunk driving?
Yes — impairment begins well before reaching the legal limit, which is why "buzzed driving is drunk driving" is a common safety message from traffic safety organizations.
When is the 2026 Denver St. Patrick's Day Parade?
Denver's parade typically takes place the Saturday before March 17 each year — check the Denver St. Patrick's Day Parade website for the current year's exact date and route.